A watercraft

ABSTRACT

A watercraft (1) is provided having a primary deck (3) that is carried on two primary buoyant members, such as pontoons (5, 7), that are substantially parallel to one another. The watercraft (1) includes a pair of deck extensions (13, 15) that are articulately connected to opposing sides of the primary deck (3). Each deck extension (13, 15) may comprise a number of extension segments (21, 23) that in concert form the deck extension. The watercraft (1) is operable between a deployed condition in which the deck extensions (13, 15) are substantially coplanar with the primary deck (3), thereby extending the primary deck (3) and a stowed condition, in which the deck extensions (13, 15) are raised substantially above the primary deck (3) with the extension segments (21, 23) of each deck extension alternately folded. The deck extensions (21, 23) are each connected to an auxiliary buoyant (25) member such that, when the watercraft (1) is in the deployed condition, each deck extension (13, 15) is carried on the buoyant member (25) connected thereto.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application PCT/IB2017/054427, filed Jul. 21, 2017, designating the United States of America and published in English as International Patent Publication WO 2018/020374 A1 on Feb. 1, 2018, which claims the benefit under Article 8 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to South African Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 2016/05233 filed Jul. 28, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a watercraft. It finds particular application, however, by no means exclusively, to leisure watercraft used for recreational or entertainment purposes.

BACKGROUND

Various types of leisure watercraft are known and include a type known as a pontoon watercraft or a pontoon boat. Generally, pontoon watercraft have a predominantly flat platform or deck that is carried on two or more pontoons to keep the deck afloat. The watercraft may include self-propelling means, such as outboard or inboard motors and a number of amenities for comfort and entertainment purposes.

The dimensions of such watercraft are mostly a compromise between size and mobility, especially with regard to transport of the watercraft over land. Mobility is an important consideration when the watercraft is not kept on a specific body of water on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Many private owners of such watercraft may prefer to transport the craft to and from the water, thereby allowing the craft to be used at a number of different locations to their liking.

However, increasing the size of the watercraft may introduce a number of difficulties with regard to its transport over land. The watercraft may be transported by securing it on a trailer, possibly purpose-built, that is drawn by another vehicle. The dimensions and structure of the trailer, therefore, need to be such that the trailer can, first, accommodate the watercraft and, furthermore, transport a large watercraft safely and efficiently. Should the trailer be of insufficient size, it might lead to the toppling over of the trailer, which could cause severe damage to the craft and may pose a serious danger to anyone in its vicinity.

In addition, the road traffic regulations in most countries stipulate specific limitations in respect to the dimensions of any load carried on public roads. These limitations are generally set out in proportion to the capabilities and dimensions of the vehicle carrying the load. Should the load of a vehicle or the trailer required to carry the load exceed certain predetermined limitations, the load will be deemed an “abnormal” load. A permit may be required to tow such an abnormal load, which may incur further costs. The conditions under which a permit is granted for an abnormal load may also become more stringent as the degree of abnormality increases. The factors that generally determine whether a load is to be deemed abnormal include whether the vehicle/load combination exceeds a predetermined overall length, width, height, overhang and/or load projection. The load in this instance would be a combination of the trailer and the watercraft carried thereon.

In addition, owners or users may not wish to first obtain a license or otherwise concern themselves with the meeting of stringent requirements related to the road traffic regulations when it comes to transporting their watercraft to and from the water.

However, it is desirable to maximize the size of the watercraft, particularly the deck thereof. The greater the surface area of the deck, the more passengers it can accommodate while providing a spacious leisure area.

The overall dimensions of the watercraft also affect the storage thereof. Should the watercraft exceed a certain set of dimensions, its owner or user may not be able to store their watercraft at their home, for example, due to size constraints. They may, therefore, need to acquire adequate storage space that can accommodate a watercraft of a particular size, which may also be costly.

The watercraft disclosed herein addresses these and other problems, at least to some extent.

The preceding discussion of the background to this disclosure is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in the art as at the priority date of the application.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with the disclosure, there is provided a watercraft having a primary deck that is carried on at least one primary buoyant member, and a pair of deck extensions articulately connected to opposing sides of the primary deck, wherein each deck extension includes a plurality of extension segments that are each articulately connected to adjacent extension segments, and wherein the watercraft is operable between a deployed condition in which the deck extensions are substantially coplanar with the primary deck, thereby extending the primary deck, and a stowed condition, in which the deck extensions are raised substantially above the primary deck with the extension segments of each deck extension alternately folded.

Further features provide for the deck extensions to each be connected to an auxiliary buoyant member such that, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, each deck extension is carried on the buoyant member connected thereto. Alternatively, for each deck extension to be an auxiliary buoyant member such that, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, an operatively upper surface of the auxiliary buoyant member is coplanar with the primary deck.

A further feature provides for each deck extension to include a plurality of extension segments that are each articulately connected to adjacent segments such that, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, the extension segments are coplanar and, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, the extension segments are alternately folded.

In one embodiment, the width of the first extension segment corresponds to the depth of the auxiliary buoyant member so that, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, the auxiliary buoyant member is substantially flush with the primary deck.

Still further features provide for each deck extension to have

-   -   a first extension segment articulately connected to the primary         deck; and     -   a second extension segment articulately connected to the first         extension segment and furthermore connected to an auxiliary         buoyant member,     -   such that, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, the         extension segments and the primary deck are coplanar, and the         second extension segment is carried on the auxiliary buoyant         member; and     -   when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, the first         extension segment is folded inward resting atop the primary         deck, and the second segment is folded to extend from the first         extension segment in a generally operatively upward direction         with the auxiliary buoyant member resting atop the first         extension segment.

Further features provide for, when the watercraft is to be configured from the deployed to the stowed condition, the first extension segment of each deck extension to be folded substantially 180° inward toward a center of the watercraft, and the second extension segment of each deck extension to be folded substantially 90° in an alternate rotational direction to that of its corresponding first segment, such that, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, each first extension segment rests atop the primary deck, and such that an outermost surface of each respective auxiliary buoyancy member is substantially flush with the respective opposing sides of the primary deck.

A still further feature provides for the watercraft to optionally have at least one pair of buoyant stabilizers that are operable between a retracted condition, in which the stabilizers are held substantially against or underneath the primary deck and an extended condition, in which the stabilizers extend outward from opposing sides of the watercraft, substantially parallel to the primary deck, at or below a waterline of the watercraft.

Further features provide for the watercraft to include a canopy, for the canopy to be carried on telescopic members, for the telescopic members to be operable to adjust a height of the canopy relative to the primary deck, and, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, for the height of the canopy to be configurable such that the canopy lies substantially on top of the deck extensions.

Still further features provide for the buoyant members to define one or more storage compartments therein, for the canopy to include one or more canopy extensions that are operable to increase a coverage area of the canopy, the canopy extensions being operable between a retracted condition and an extended condition in which the canopy extensions extend outward from the canopy.

Still further features provide for the watercraft to include self-propelling means, for the self-propelling means to be outboard or inboard motors, for the self-propelling means to be operable to steer the watercraft, for the self-propelling means to be operable from a control console, for the watercraft to include motorized means for operating the watercraft between the stowed and deployed conditions, and motorized means for adjusting a length of each telescopic member, thereby adjusting the height of the canopy. The motorized means may be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or a combination thereof.

Further features provide for the canopy, primary deck and deck extensions to, in concert, form an at least partially enclosed unit when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, and for the watercraft to be lockable in the stowed condition.

A further feature provides for the buoyant members to be pontoons, hulls, floats, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the buoyant members are pontoons that extend substantially parallel to one another.

In one embodiment, the watercraft includes a floatable deck with a steering console, and one or more pontoons foldably connected to the deck, wherein the watercraft is operable between a folded condition in which the one or more pontoons extend upwards from the deck and one or more sides of the deck are folded inward and a second, unfolded position in which an operatively upper surface of the pontoons are aligned with the deck so as to extend the deck.

Still further features provide for the canopy and/or canopy extensions to have sheet material attached, optionally releasably attached, thereto about an outer perimeter thereof, for the sheet material to be configurable from a stowed condition, in which the sheet material is rolled or folded and secured at or near the canopy, and a deployed condition in which the sheet material extends from the canopy and/or canopy extensions and terminates at or near the primary deck or deck extensions.

Further features provide for the sheet material to be weighted at its lowermost ends, for the sheet material alternatively have securing structures at its lowermost ends and to be securable to complementary securing structures defined about a perimeter of the deck and deck extensions, for the sheet material to be modular, with adjacent sheets being securable to one another by means of complementary securing structures. The securing structures and complementary securing structures may be zip fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners, or the like.

Even further features provide for the watercraft to be configurable as a partially tented housing unit when in the deployed condition on land when carried on a trailer, and for a space between the primary pontoon and auxiliary pontoon to substantially straddle wheel arches of the trailer.

In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a camping trailer kit comprising a watercraft as described above and a trailer, the trailer having a platform configured to carry the watercraft and an elongate guiding member extending centrally along the platform in a longitudinal direction, the elongate guiding member being configured to form a complementary fit with a space extending centrally along a bottom of the watercraft.

In accordance with a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for deploying a watercraft having a primary deck that is carried on at least one primary buoyant member, and a pair of deck extensions articulately connected to opposing sides of the primary deck, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   with the watercraft in a stowed condition, in which the deck         extensions are raised substantially above the primary deck,         folding the deck extensions outward and downward about their         respective articulated connection with the primary deck; and     -   aligning the deck extensions with the primary deck so as to be         substantially coplanar therewith in a deployed condition of the         watercraft, thereby extending the primary deck.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for stowing a watercraft having a primary deck that is carried on at least one primary buoyant member, and a pair of deck extensions articulately connected to opposing sides of the primary deck, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   with the watercraft in a deployed condition, in which the deck         extensions are substantially coplanar with the primary deck,         folding the deck extensions inward and upward about their         respective articulated connection with the primary deck; and     -   thereby raising the deck extensions substantially above the         primary deck in a stowed condition of the watercraft.

An embodiment of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a watercraft in a deployed condition;

FIG. 2 is a further isometric view of the watercraft of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the watercraft of FIG. 1 viewed from the bow;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the watercraft of FIG. 1 viewed from the stern;

FIG. 5 is a starboard view of the watercraft of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the watercraft of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the watercraft in a semi-stowed condition;

FIG. 8 is a starboard view of the watercraft of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the watercraft in a stowed condition;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the watercraft of FIG. 9 viewed from the stern;

FIG. 11 is an enlargement of a section of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of deploying a watercraft;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of stowing a watercraft;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a watercraft in a semi-stowed condition;

FIG. 15 is a starboard view of the watercraft of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the watercraft of FIG. 14 in a deployed condition;

FIG. 17 is an elevation of the watercraft of FIG. 16 viewed from the stern;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the watercraft of FIG. 1 configured as a partially tented housing unit;

FIG. 19 is a second isometric view of the watercraft of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an exemplary layout of the watercraft of FIG. 18 when configured as a partially tented housing unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A watercraft is provided having a primary deck that is carried on at least one primary buoyant member. In at least one embodiment, the primary deck may be statically secured to two primary buoyant members. The primary buoyant members may be pontoons that are substantially parallel to one another, but may be any other buoyant member such as a hull, a float or a combination thereof.

The watercraft may include a pair of deck extensions that are articulately connected to opposing sides of the primary deck. The primary deck may be substantially rectangular, and the front and rear ends of the deck may also be construed as being a pair of opposing sides of the primary deck and may therefore also have deck extensions connected thereto. Each deck extension may extend the entire length of the side to which it is connected and may comprise a number of extension segments that in concert form the deck extension.

The watercraft may be operable between a stowed condition, in which the deck extensions are raised substantially above the primary deck, and a deployed condition in which the deck extensions are substantially coplanar with the primary deck, thereby extending the primary deck.

The extension segments may extend lengthwise along the deck extension and, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, may be arranged side by side such that a first extension segment is articulately connected to the primary deck, and the remainder of the extension members are articulately connected to adjacent extension members. The articulated connections may for example be, but is in no way limited to, a hinged connection.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a watercraft 1 in a deployed condition. The watercraft 1 includes a primary deck 3 that is carried on two primary buoyant members, presently two primary pontoons 5, 7 that extend generally parallel to one another from the bow 11 of the watercraft 1 toward the stern 9. The watercraft 1 furthermore includes a pair of deck extensions 13, 15 that are articulately connected to the starboard side 17 and the port side 19 of the primary deck 3 respectively.

The deck extensions are symmetrically arranged and the subsequent features described with reference to the starboard side deck extension 13 also apply to the port side deck extension 15. The deck extension 13 has two extension segments, a first extension segment 21 that is articulately connected to the primary deck 3 and a second extension segment 23 that articulately connected to the first extension segment 21. In the deployed condition, as shown in FIG. 1, the first and second extension segments 21, 23 of the deck extension 13 and the primary deck 3 are all coplanar, such that the deck extensions 13, 15 extend the surface area of the primary deck 3. The second extension segment 23 is connected to an auxiliary pontoon 25 and is, in the deployed condition, carried thereon.

The deck extension 13 and thus also its extension segments 21, 23 extend the entire length of the primary deck 3. The width 27 of the first extension segment 21 is selected to approximately correspond to the depth 29 of the auxiliary pontoon 25, with a tolerance being provided to account for the thickness of the second extension segment 23 connected thereto, the significance of which will be explained below.

The watercraft 1 also includes a canopy 31 that is carried on telescopic members 33 extending between the primary deck 3 and the canopy, presently six telescopic members 33 in total. The telescopic members 33 are operable to adjust the height of the canopy 31 relative to the primary deck 3. The canopy 31 also has four canopy extensions 35, two on each side thereof. One of the canopy extensions 35 has been omitted in FIG. 1 to illustrate features that would otherwise have been obscured thereby. The canopy extensions 35 are operable between a retracted condition and an extended condition (the latter being shown in FIG. 1) in which the canopy extensions extend outward from the canopy 31 to thereby extend its coverage.

The watercraft 1 includes twin outboard motors 41, and the throttle and steering control thereof is operable from a control console 43 on the primary deck 3. Hydraulic actuators (not shown) are provided to control the deployment and stowing of the deck extensions 13, 15 as well as to adjust the height of the canopy 31, the controls of which are also provided on the control console 43.

Removable safety rails 45 are provided that are inserted into locating apertures in the primary deck 3 and deck extensions 13, 15. It is envisaged that other embodiments may include safety rails that extend telescopically from the deck or that are foldable. The watercraft 1 may furthermore include storage compartments 47 within the primary pontoons 5, 7, accessible through flush deck hatches 49 in the primary deck 3 as well as in the auxiliary pontoons 25, accessible through flush deck hatches 49 in the deck extensions 13, 15. The storage compartments may be sealed from one another. This also serves as a safety feature, since damage to a pontoon will not compromise the entire pontoon, but only the particular compartment.

A number of on-board amenities may be provided as is well known to be found on watercraft. These typically include refrigeration, sanitation facilities, catering equipment, loungers and other furniture, and the like. FIGS. 2 to 6 show further elevations of the watercraft 1 in the deployed condition with like reference numerals indicating like features.

FIG. 6 shows the watercraft 1 as viewed from below. It shows the watercraft 1 having two buoyant stabilizers 51, one on each side, provided toward the aft of the watercraft. Each stabilizer 51 is operable between a retracted and an extended condition, the latter of which is shown in FIG. 6 and perhaps more clearly in FIG. 7. The primary pontoons 5, 7 and the stabilizers 51 have substantially the same width 52. Furthermore, the depth 53 of each of the stabilizers 51 corresponds to the size of a space 54 provided between the aft end of each of the primary pontoons 5, 7 and the aft end of the primary deck 3.

In the retracted condition (see FIG. 9), the stabilizer 51 is held in-line with its respective primary pontoon 5, 7 within these spaces 54, underneath the primary deck 3, with an outermost side of each stabilizer 51 being substantially flush with an outer surface of its corresponding primary pontoon 5, 7.

In the extended condition, as seen in FIG. 7, the stabilizers extend outward from the watercraft 1, each held at the end of elongate stabilizer members 55 substantially parallel to the deck, at or below a waterline of the watercraft 1. In the present embodiment, the stabilizer members 55 are tracks on which the stabilizers 51 run. Each auxiliary pontoons 25 has a cut-out 57 near its aft end that is substantially the same size as that of a stabilizer 51. When in the extended condition, the stabilizers 51 locate within these cut-outs 57 as seen more clearly in FIG. 8 with an inner side of the stabilizer 51 being substantially flush with an inner surface of the auxiliary pontoon 25.

During deployment and stowing of the watercraft 1, the stabilizers 51 may be extended to improve lateral stability of the watercraft 1. The stabilizers 51 are hydraulically actuated and its extension and retraction sequence may be automated to be synchronized with an automated deployment and stowing sequence that is executed by an on-board control system.

Referring again to FIG. 7 showing the watercraft 1 in a semi-stowed condition and illustrating the procedure through which the watercraft progresses from the deployed condition (as shown in FIG. 1) to a stowed condition (as shown in FIG. 9). In FIG. 7, the canopy extensions 35 are shown in their retracted condition and the safety rails 45 have been removed and stowed.

The first extension segment 21 is folded about its articulated connection with the primary deck 3 in an inward direction, toward the primary deck 3 and upward. Simultaneously, the second extension segment 23 is folded about its articulated connection with the first extension segment 21 in an outward direction, away from the primary deck 3 and downward. The second extension segment 23 is therefore folded alternately to the first extension segment 21. Although the extension segments 21, 23 are folded alternately, the deck extension 13 is moved in an overall generally inward, toward the deck, and generally upward direction relative to their positions in the deployed condition.

The transition between the deployed condition shown in FIG. 1 and the semi-stowed condition shown in FIG. 7 illustrates how, when stowed, the first extension segment 21 is folded inward, toward the primary deck 3. Simultaneously, the second extension segment 23 (as well as the auxiliary pontoon 25 connected thereto) is alternately folded.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the watercraft 1 in the stowed condition. The stabilizers 51 are retracted into their corresponding spaces 57 underneath the primary deck 3 such that the respective outermost sides of the stabilizers 51 are substantially flush with the outermost surface of the primary pontoons 5, 7. The first extension segment 21 is folded about 180° inward toward the center of the watercraft and rests atop the primary deck 3 as may be more clearly seen from the enlargement shown in FIG. 11. The second extension segment 23 is folded about 90° relative to the first extension member and in an alternate rotational direction to that of the first extension segment. In this configuration, the second extension segment extends generally upward from the first extension segment 21, the latter now resting on top of the primary deck 3. Furthermore, a side of the auxiliary pontoon 25 that is connected to the second extension segment 23 now rests atop the first extension segment.

It will be appreciated that, since the width 27 of the first extension segment 21 is configured to correspond to the depth 29 of the auxiliary pontoon 25, a now outermost surface of each respective auxiliary buoyancy member (which had been the bottommost surface when in the deployed condition) will be substantially flush with the port and starboard sides of the primary deck, respectively.

Furthermore, the canopy 31 has been lowered by means of its telescopic members 33 such that the canopy lies substantially on top of the upwardly extending second extension segment 23 and auxiliary pontoon 25. In this configuration, the canopy 31, second extension segment 23 and auxiliary pontoon 25 partially encloses the watercraft 1 to form an inner compartment 61. The watercraft 1 may be locked in the stowed condition.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method 200 of deploying a watercraft as described above. The method is initiated with the watercraft in the stowed condition 201, in which the deck extensions are raised substantially above the primary deck. In the present embodiment, the first extension segment rests on top of the primary deck. The second extension segment extends from the first extension segment in an upward direction such that a side of the auxiliary pontoon rests on top of the first extension segment. The deck extensions are then each folded 203 generally outward and downward about their respective articulated connection with the primary deck. In the present embodiment the first and second extension segments are simultaneously folded, in alternate directions, so that the deck extension that comprises the respective extension segments is moved in a generally outward and downward direction with reference to their position in the stowed condition.

The step of folding 203 the deck extensions may be preceded or may be performed simultaneously with the extending of the buoyant stabilizers in an outward direction, substantially parallel to the primary deck, at or below a waterline of the watercraft.

The deck extensions are then aligned 205 with the primary deck so as to be substantially coplanar therewith, thereby extending 207 the primary deck.

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 300 of stowing a watercraft as described above. The method 300 is initiated with the watercraft in a deployed condition 301. In the present embodiment, the deck extensions, having a first and a second extension segment, are aligned with the primary deck so as to extend it. The buoyant stabilizers may also extend outwardly from the watercraft.

The deck extensions are then folded 303 generally inward and upward about their respective articulated connection with the primary deck. In the present embodiment the first and second extension segments are simultaneously folded, in alternate directions, so that the deck extensions that comprises the respective extension segments is moved in a generally inward and upward direction with reference to their position in the deployed condition.

The step of folding 303 the deck extensions may be preceded or may be performed simultaneously with the retracting of the buoyant stabilizers in-line with the primary pontoons.

The deck extensions are thereby raised 305 substantially above the primary deck.

It will be appreciated that the overall width of the watercraft is considerably less in the stowed condition than in the deployed condition. The dimensions of the components of the watercraft may be preselected so that, in the stowed condition, the watercraft does not exceed dimension thresholds that would render it an abnormal load when transported. The watercraft may therefore be loaded and secured to a conventional trailer and safely transported in its compact stowed configuration. This may reduce the transportation costs of the watercraft since an owner or user would not be required to obtain a permit to transport the watercraft, since its dimensions would not constitute an abnormal load. The owner or user will also not need to concern themselves with the meeting of stringent requirements related to the road traffic regulations when it comes to transporting their watercraft to and from the water and the administrative burden thereof.

Furthermore, storage of the watercraft may not require specialized storage facilities since the overall width of the watercraft may be sufficiently small to fit conventional storage facilities, possibly storage facilities at an owner's residence.

Conversely, when in the deployed condition, the deck space is considerably greater than when in the stowed condition and provides a spacious area for passengers to enjoy. This enables the watercraft to provide capacity for an increased number of passengers while maintaining a desired level of comfort for each.

The controls that are operable from the control console 43 may furthermore be operable by remote control. Remote control may be provided, although not limited to, by a purpose built remote control unit or by means of an application that is executed on a mobile device of a user. The remote control and control console would be configured to facilitate bi-directional communication between the remote control and a communication module of the control console. Commands to control the various actuators of the watercraft may be issued by the user from the remote control which, in turn, sends the instructions to the remote console. The remote console will, in response to receiving such instructions, energize one or more actuators in accordance with the received instructions.

Therefore, the entire deployment and stowing sequence may be performed by remote control. This is advantageous since access to the remote console may be challenging when the watercraft is in the stowed condition due to the compact configuration. Similarly, it may be challenging to disembark the watercraft once the watercraft is in the stowed condition. Therefore, controlling the deploying and stowing sequences remotely may greatly reduce the effort required. Throttle and steering control may similarly be performed remotely.

FIGS. 14 to 17 show a second embodiment of a watercraft 500 in which like reference numerals indicate like features of the first embodiment described above.

In this embodiment, the watercraft 500 has four buoyant stabilizers 551, two on each side, each being operable between a retracted and an extended condition. In the retracted condition, the stabilizers 551 are held within corresponding recesses 553 each primary pontoon 505 underneath the primary deck 3 with an outermost side of each stabilizer 551 being substantially flush with an outer surface of the primary pontoon 505. In the extended condition, as seen in FIG. 17, the stabilizers extend outward from the watercraft 500, each held at the end of an elongate stabilizer member 555 substantially parallel to the deck, at or below a waterline of the watercraft 500.

During deployment and stowing of the watercraft 500, the stabilizers 551 may be extended to improve lateral stability of the watercraft. The stabilizers 551 are hydraulically actuated and its extension and retraction sequence may be automated to be synchronized with an automated deployment and stowing sequence that is executed by an on-board control system. FIG. 15 shows locating apertures 557 in the auxiliary pontoon 525 within which the respective stabilizers 551 locate when the watercraft 500 is in the deployed condition (as shown in FIG. 16).

Although the embodiments described above include stabilizers, it should be appreciated that the stabilizers are an optional feature and may only be required if a particular embodiment requires additional stability during deployment.

FIG. 18 shows the watercraft 1 being configured in the deployed condition as a partially tented housing unit. In this configuration, the canopy extensions 35 are in their extended condition and reference to the canopy in this configuration includes the canopy extensions 35. The watercraft 1 has sheet material sections attached about the perimeter of the canopy 31 to form outer walls 81 and divider sheets 83 are also provided to define a number of separated living spaces on the watercraft 1 contained within the outer walls 81. In the present embodiment, the sheet material for outer walls and divider sheets 81, 83 is a canvas material. Some of the outer wall sheets 81 and divider sheets 83 include transparent or translucent inserts to form windows 85. The windows of the outer wall sheets 81 in the present embodiment are provided with awnings 87.

The canopy 31 has securing formations provided about its outer perimeter for attachment of uppermost ends of the outer wall sheets 81 and divider sheets 83 thereto. Complementary securing formations are provided at uppermost ends of sheet material and for this purpose. In the present embodiment, the securing formations are zipper fasteners. The sheet material for outer walls and divider sheets 81, 83 comprises a number of separate, modular sheet sections of which adjacent sections are also securable to one another by means of zipper fasteners. The sheet material sections for outer walls and divider sheets 81, 83 furthermore have zipper fasteners at lowermost ends thereof that are securable to complementary securing structures defined about a perimeter of the primary deck 3 and deck extensions 13, 15. However, any other securing means may be used for the securing of the sheet material sections to the canopy, deck of adjacent sections such as hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners, or the like.

When no longer required, the sheet material may be rolled up and secured at or near the canopy. Alternatively, the sheet material may be unzipped and stowed in storage compartments provided within the pontoons or any other storage compartment provided on the watercraft. It is furthermore envisaged that spring loaded rollers may be provided within the pontoons about which the sheet material may be rolled when stowed. The sheet material may then be pulled upward and secured to the canopy.

The utility of the watercraft is furthermore not limited to use on water. The watercraft may, when secured to a trailer, be deployed on land to provide an outdoors lounge area equipped with all the amenities provided on the watercraft. This may provide a convenient and leisurely platform on which to enjoy the outdoors, even on land.

The watercraft may furthermore be utilized as a so-called camping trailer, comprising a partially tented housing unit carried on a trailer that is capable of being compactly stowed. Throughout the specification, the term “camping trailer” should be broadly interpreted as a watercraft as described herein that is carried on or secured to a wheeled trailer. This has the additional benefit of providing an elevated housing unit that may prevent or reduce the likelihood of insects, snakes or other undesirable organisms entering the housing unit. A step ladder 89 may be provided to assist passengers from boarding and disembarking the watercraft 1 when deployed on land.

FIG. 19 shows a camping trailer kit that comprises a watercraft 1 and a trailer 100 configured to accommodate the watercraft 1. The trailer has wheel arches 101 that extend above a platform 103 on which the watercraft 1 is carried. When the watercraft 1 is in the deployed condition whilst secured to the trailer 100 on land, a space 91 defined between each primary pontoon 5 and auxiliary pontoon 25 provided a clearance for the wheel arches 101 such that the wheel arches are substantially straddled on either side thereof by the primary and auxiliary pontoons 5, 25. The trailer 100 also has an elongate member extending longitudinally along the center of the platform 103 that acts as a locating guide 105. The width 107 of the locating guide 105 corresponds, but is slightly less, than the spacing between the primary pontoons 5, 7. The locating guide 105 may assist the operator in positioning the watercraft 1 optimally on the trailer 100.

The trailer and watercraft may be sufficiently reinforced to enable it to be transported over rough terrain.

FIG. 20 shows a plan view with an exemplary configuration of separated living spaces on board the watercraft 1 defined by the outer wall sheets 81 and divider sheets 83.

Throughout the specification and claims unless the contents requires otherwise the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 

1. A watercraft having a primary deck that is carried on at least one primary buoyant member, and a pair of deck extensions articulately connected to opposing sides of the primary deck, wherein each deck extension includes a plurality of extension segments that are each articulately connected to adjacent extension segments, and wherein the watercraft is operable between a deployed condition in which the deck extensions are substantially coplanar with the primary deck, thereby extending the primary deck, and a stowed condition, in which the deck extensions are raised substantially above the primary deck with the extension segments of each deck extension alternately folded.
 2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein each deck extension is provided with an auxiliary buoyant member.
 3. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein each deck extension is connected to an auxiliary buoyant member such that, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, each deck extension is carried on the buoyant member connected thereto; or wherein each deck extension is formed by an auxiliary buoyant member such that, when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, an operatively upper surface of the auxiliary buoyant member is coplanar with the primary deck.
 4. The watercraft of claim 3, wherein a width of the first extension segment corresponds to a depth of the auxiliary buoyant member so that, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, the auxiliary buoyant member is substantially flush with the primary deck.
 5. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein each deck extension comprises: a first extension segment articulately connected to the primary deck; and a second extension segment articulately connected to the first extension segment and furthermore connected to an auxiliary buoyant member, wherein when the watercraft is in the deployed condition, the extension segments and the primary deck are coplanar, and the second extension segment is carried on the auxiliary buoyant member; and wherein, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, the first extension segment is folded inward resting atop the primary deck, and the second segment is folded to extend from the first extension segment in a generally operatively upward direction with the auxiliary buoyant member resting atop the first extension segment.
 6. The watercraft of claim 4, wherein, when the watercraft is configured from the deployed to the stowed condition, the first extension segment of each deck extension is folded substantially 180° inward toward a center of the watercraft, and the second extension segment of each deck extension is folded substantially 90° in an alternate rotational direction to that of its corresponding first segment, such that, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, each first extension segment rests atop the primary deck, and such that an outermost surface of each respective auxiliary buoyancy member is substantially flush with the respective opposing sides of the primary deck.
 7. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising at least one pair of buoyant stabilizers that are operable between a retracted condition, in which the stabilizers are held substantially against or underneath the primary deck, and an extended condition, in which the stabilizers extend outward from opposing sides of the watercraft, substantially parallel to the primary deck, at or below a waterline of the watercraft.
 8. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a canopy.
 9. The watercraft of claim 8, wherein the canopy is carried on telescopic members that are operable to adjust a height of the canopy relative to the primary deck.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein, when the watercraft is in the stowed condition, the height of the canopy is configurable such that the canopy lies substantially on top of the deck extensions.
 12. The watercraft of claim 8, wherein the canopy includes one or more canopy extensions that are operable to increase a coverage area of the canopy, the canopy extensions being operable between a retracted condition and an extended condition in which the canopy extensions extend outward from the canopy.
 13. The watercraft of claim 9, further comprising motorized means for adjusting a length of each telescopic member, thereby adjusting the height of the canopy.
 14. The watercraft of claim 8, wherein the canopy, primary deck and deck extensions, together, form an at least partially enclosed unit when the watercraft is in the stowed condition.
 15. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the buoyant members define one or more storage compartments therein.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising motorized means for operating the watercraft between the stowed and deployed conditions.
 18. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the watercraft is lockable in the stowed condition.
 19. (canceled)
 20. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the watercraft is configurable as a partially tented housing unit when in the deployed condition.
 21. The watercraft of claim 20, wherein the canopy and/or canopy extensions have sheet material attached thereto about an outer perimeter thereof and wherein the sheet material is configurable from a stored condition, in which the sheet material is rolled or folded and secured at or near the canopy, and a deployed condition, in which the sheet material extends from the canopy and/or canopy extensions and terminates at or near the primary deck or deck extensions. 22.-28. (canceled)
 29. The watercraft of claim 21, wherein the watercraft is configurable as a partially tented housing unit when in the deployed condition on land when carried on a trailer.
 30. The watercraft of claim 29, wherein a space between the primary pontoon and auxiliary pontoon substantially straddles the wheel arches of the trailer when in the deployed condition. 31.-33. (canceled) 